Composing mechanism for typographs.



C. H. BRASTED. GOMPOSING MEUHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPBS. APPLIUATION FILED SEPT. 17, 1910. BBNBWED JUNE s. 1912.

1,091,477, Patented Mar. 31, 1914 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

FIG- l.

5 A. Z i F C mmmmmm Mmmm ,Hr

. D y wm M am@ TTOR/Vf Y COLUMBIA PLANQGRAPM to., WASHINGTON. D. cA

C. H. BRASTED. GOMPOSING MEGHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPHS. 11.1011121011 FILED SBPT.17, 1910. RENBWED JUNE s, 1912.

1,09 1,477. Patented Mar. 31, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

MTA/55555.- /A/Vf/VTOR m m 5V I ya# coLuMmA PLANDGRM'N co.. WASHINGTON, D, c.

C. H. BRASTED.

GOMPOSING MEGHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPHS. APPLloATIoN FILED SBPT.17, 1910. RENBWBD JUNE s. 1912.

Patented Mar. 31, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

WWA/5555: nvm/TOR @mgm @Maf/1;

duf wo fh- BY l ATTORNEY coLuMmA PLANOGRAPM co., WASHINGTON. D. C.

NETE@ STATES 'OFFE CLAIR H. BRASTED, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE LUDLOW TYPOG-RAPI-I COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

COMPOSING MECHANISM FOR TYPOGRAPHS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 31, 1914.

Application filed September 17, 1910, Serial No. 582,454. Renewed .Tune 3, 1912. Serial No. 701,434.

To c?! `inkom. it may concern:

Be it lrnown that I, CLAIR H. BRxsTnD, a citizen of the Unite-d States, and a resident of Cleveland, county of Cuyahoga, and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Imn'oveinent in Composing hilechanism for Typographs, of which the following is a specification, the principle of the invention heing herein explained and the best mode in which I have contemplated applyingthat principle, so as to distinguish itfrom other inventions.

The improvements comprehended in the present invention relate in general to the Ludlow typograph, the characteristic features of which will be found explained in United States Letters Patent No. 856,531, dated J une 11, 1907. In such Ludlow typograph, the means for casting the type line, or slug, comprise a plurality of matrix bars inovably resting upon a suitable support which is provided with a transverse cast-ing slot o-ver which such bars are thus adapted to be distributed so as to variously compose or aline, the duplicate series of matrices on their under edges.

The present improvements have as their object the provision of means for handling hars in such typograph, whereby they may be thus distributed and subsequently collected with greater facility and increased rapidity.

"ilo the accomplishment of these and related objects said invention` then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention ma;7 be used.

In said annexed drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of my improved mechanism and more particularly of the matrix bar distribating and collecting device which forms a feature of such mechanism; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of such device, as viewed from the left in Fig. l; Fig. 3 is a sectional view thereof taken on the line Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 4t is a plan view of the aforesaid mechanism on a smaller scale, together with a more complete representation of the composer frame and other parts of the typograph accessory to said mechanism. i

The general composing mechanism to which the present improvements attach comprises in effect an open frame D of general rectangular form (Fig. 4L), that is slidably or otherwise mounted upon the bed A of the machine, so as to be movable across the matrix bars C, when the latter are disposed in the trough a in such bed provided for their reception. rfhis frame typilies in a general way any form of cooperating means adapted to secure the bars in varied longitudinal position in such trough with selected matrices on their under faces located over the casting slot o in the bottom of such trough.

The casting box or mold B is adapted to lit snugly in such slot and its upper face then lies flush. with the bottom of the trough, so that the movement of the bars thereacross is in no way interfered with. The mold is, of course7 formed with an opening or slot o2 in which the slug is actuall7 cast and it is rather over this opening, than over the general opening in the bottom of the trough, that the matrices on the bars require to be assembled. The general supporting frame for the bed plate o-r table A, that thus serves as a support for the matrix bars, is not illustrated; but such frame it may be. remarked is utilized to support not only the casting mold, but also the other parts of the casting mechanism required for the forming of slugs or lines-of-typc in such mold, as need not be further explained.

rEhe matrix bars C are made in general of the laterally tapered form shown in Fig. l, and are arranged in the trough a with t eir tapered ends alternating with the thick ends, whereby the respective bars are maintained in av line substantially parallel with the walls bounding the trough, whatever variations may be made in the longitudinal position of any individual bar in such trough. The matrices c are struck in or otherwise formed on the lower edge of the bar, regarding the latter as it rests in the trough (Fig. Although adjacent bars will thus be seen to bear similar series of matrices, the order of such matrices will obviously be reversed. In the upper edges of the bars transverse grooves 0 are provided corresponding in position with such matrices, and, in connection with the grooves, a series of characters c2 that likewise correspond with such matrices, although not necessarily placed directly thereover. lt may be explained that the foregoing details of construction are not a part of the present invention and are here described only so far as is necessary to an understanding of the latter. Such grooves c in the upper edge of the bar are adapted for engagement with the splines f3 on the under sides of two teeth F of the composer' frame located on either side of the central line of such frame. Such two centrally located teeth are part of a series of equidistantly spaced teeth that extend inwardly from the rear side of such frame in a transverse direction with respect to the matrix bars, or in other words, parallel with the casting slot 52 in the mold. There are as many of these teeth as there are matrices upon the respective matrix bars carrying the normal font, the disposition of the teeth being such that when the centrally mounted pin c4 on any bar is inserted in the slot f between the appropriate teeth, the desired matrix in the under side of such bar will be positioned directly over the opening in the mold. To indicate which slot is to be selected to thus bring any desired matrix over the mold, an index plate F, that for constructional reasons is made in two sections as shown in Fig. 3, is disposed over the teeth F of the frame. Such plate is provided with a double series of designating characters f2, one of which series is adapted for use with matrix bars having their thick ends disposed toward the right end of the trough, the other for use with the bars which have their thick endsdisposed toward the left of such trough. By detachably securing such index plate to the composer frame, as by screws f3, it will be obvious by simply interchanging one plate with another the machine may be adapted for use with an entirely different set of bars on short notice; in other words, it would merely require the substitution of aset of bars bearing matrices for German type, and a corresponding exchange of index plates, to adapt the machinel for German composition.

Longitudinally of the frame D along its front side is mounted a rod or shaft CZ preferably in standards cZ, one at each end, and on this shaft is in turn mounted, so as to be slidable therealong, and also rotatable about the same as an axis, a handled member E constituting the distributing and collecting device of present interest. This device, as clearly shown in Figs. l, 2 and 8, consists simply of a base plate e that is thus secured to the shaft in question and is formed with a slot e at right angles to such shaft and ofV a width sufficient to accommodate in a line the pins c* upon the several bars C. Such slot e is preferably beveled on the under side of the plate, so that as the latter is depressed over the bars, the pins will be readily guided into the slot. It will be understood, of course, that the pins will be brought into a semblance of alinement, before they are thus engaged by the slot, by sweeping the bars together either by engagement of one edge or the other of the handled member with the pins, or in some other way.

The handle e2, provided for manipulating member E, is preferably rec-tangularly disposed with reference thereto, or in other words it is in line with and in a plane above the shaft (Z, as this presents it in most convenient position for moving the member along the shaft and about the same, it being designed that such handle be grasped in the right hand of the operator. This position of the handle also has regard to the location of the mechanism for releasing successive bars from the slot in the member, it being designed that the actuating lever e3 of such mechanism be operated by pressure thereagainst with the thumb of the same hand that grasps the handle. Such lever is pivotal about a pin et on the upper face of the plate forming the member-s base, and is normally held in the position shown in full lines by a spring e5 pressing thereagainst, although it may be pressed inwardly into the position indicated in dotted outline. Pivotally attached to the forward end of said actuating lever, one on each side of its pivotal axis, are two fingers e, e7, the general form and disposition of which are shown in Fig. l. Such fingers are connected by a tension spring es that serves to hold them in cont-act with an interposed stud e, also mounted on the upper face of the base plate e. As a result of the foregoing con struction the inward actuation of the lever e3 acts to withdraw the foremost of said fingers and at the same time insert the inner finger across the line of the pin-retaining slot e in said base. Such first fingers tip is so disposed as to serve in its normal position as a closure for the outer end of said slot, while the inner finger is disposed so as to be inserted, upon the movement just described, in the rear of the first pin behind from the composite matrix provided. To

such first finger-s tip in such slot. Said second finger not only is moved across the slot, but also given a slight forward movement suflicient to exert a pressure against the pin, the result of which is the discharge of the latter from the slot.

The matrix bar it will be understood is not transversely moved but rather the member E together with the entire composer frame D, so that such member is retracted su'flicient to allow the pin to escape from the slot c and the teeth of the frame D advanced sufiiciently to pick up or engage such pin in a selected slot f between teeth F. Immediately upon the release of the actuating lever of the discharging mechanism, the fingers resume the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. l, prevent-ing the further retraction f the member and the discharge of another bar until the lever is again actuated. To still further assist in the selection of the desired composer teeth F between which to thus engage the pins on successive matrix bars, the member is provided with a finder E adapted to coperate with the index plate F disposed, as previously described, over the forward ends of such teeth. This finder has an opening @1 of sufiicient longitudinal extent to include both rows o-f characters f2 on the index plate and just wide enough to allow the pair in alinement with the pinengaging slot e of the member to appear'.

The general operation of my improved composing mechanism has been explained in connection with the foregoing description of its construction sufficiently to require but little further comment. The operator simply grasps the handle e2 of the composing device E with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 1, wherein such device is in engagement with the body of bars, and then moves such body of bars longitudinally of the trough until the finder E is brought over the desired character on the index plate. It will, of course, be necessary for the operator to remember to which row of characters on the plate the characters, or matrices, on his outermost bar correspond. The proper location of such matrix bar having been thus determined, a simple pressure of the thumb upon the actuating lever c3 will release such bar and simultaneously advance the composer frame to engage the same, each successive operation of said lever effecting a shift equal to the width of a bar. This operation is then repeated with the next matrix bar and so on until the entire body has been properly distributed to compose the desired matrix over the casting slot in the mold. The bars being thus distributed, they are locked in place by suitable means (not shown) and a slug then cast in the mold slot b2 so as to take the impression re-assemble the bars in a body, such as that in which they appear in Fig. 1, the composing member is tilted upwardly, the frame returned to its initial position in which the bars are uncovered, or in other words, left entirely free from the teeth of the frame, then the member is lowered and by a sweeping movement the bars are brought together in a body with their pins in alinement and adapted to be engaged in the slot in the member ready to be again distributed to compose another matrix.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention maybe employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the meansV stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means he employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention l. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movable thereon, a member movable longitudinally of said bars and adapted to engage therewith to bring successive bars in desired position with relation to a fixed transverse line, and means directly co-perative with said bars to shift said member and bars relatively to each other in a direction transverse of the latter.

2. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movable thereon, a member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to engage therewith, whereby successive bars may he brought and left in desired position with reference. to a fixed transverse line, and means borne by said member and adapted to coperate directly with said bars to shift the former in a direction transverse of the latter.

3. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movable thereon, a member movable longitudinally of said bars and adapted to engage therewith to bring successive bars in desired position with relation to a fixed transverse line; means directly coperative with said bars to shift said member and bars relatively to each other in a direction transverse of the latter so as to release successive bars, and means adapted to secure a bar in its selected position upon said bar being thus released.

l. ln mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movable thereon, a member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to engage therewith. whereby successive bars may be brought and left in desired position with reference to a fixed t'ansverse line, means borne by said member and adapted to cooperate directly With successive bars to shift the former in a direction transverse of the latter so as to release successive bars, and means adapted to secure a bar in its selected position upon said bar being thus released.l

5. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a member movable longitudinally of said bars and adapted to engage a number thereof to move the same; and means carried by said member and directly coperative With said bars to shift said member and bars relatively to each other in a direction transverse of the latter.

6. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a member movable longitudinally of said bars and adapted to engage a number thereof to move the same; and means carried by said member and directly cooperative with said bars to shift said member and bars relatively to each other in a direction transverse of the latter, each successive operation of said means effecting a shift equal to the Width of a bar.

7. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a member movable both in the same direction as said bars andin a transverse direction thereof, said member being adapted to engage a number of said bars to longitudinally move the same; and means carried by said member and adapted to cooperate directly with said bars to shift said member transversely thereof,

S. ln mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so asto be longitudinally movable; a member movable both in the same direction as said bars and in a transverse direction thereof, said member being adapted to engage a number of said bars to longitudinally move the same; and means carried by said member and adapted to cooperate directly Witli said bars to shift said member transversely thereof, each successive operation of said means eiiecting a shift of said member equal to the Width of a bar.

9. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a rod extending parallel With the direction of movement of said bars; a member adapted to engage a number of said bars, said member being movable transversely of said rod into and out of engagement With said bars andl also along Vthe same to longitudinally move said bars when in engagement therewith; and means directly cooperative With said bars to shift said meniber and bars relatively to each other in a direction transverse of the latter. l

l0. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a rod extending parallel with the direction of movement of said bars; a member adapted to engage a number of said bars, said member being movable transversely of said rod into and out of engagement With said bars and also along the same to longitudinally move said bars when in engage ment therewith; and means carried by saidv member and adapted to coperate directly With said bars to shift said member and bars relatively to each other, each successive operation of said means effecting a shift equal to the width of a bar.

ll. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a rod extending parallel with the direction of movement of said bars, said rod being bodily movable in a direction transverse of such matrix' bar movement; a member adapted to engage a number of said bars, said member being oscillatory about said rod into and out of engagement with said bars and also movable along said rod to longitudinally move said bars, when in engagement therewith; and means directly cooperative With said bars to shift said rod, and With it said member, transversely of said bars.

l2. in mechanism of the class described, the combinationv of a plurality of matrix bars supported so as to be longitudinally movable; a rod extending parallel With the direction of movement of said bars, said rod being bodily movable in a direction transverse of such matrix bar movement; a member adapted to engage a number of said bars, said member being oscillatory about said rod into and out of engagement with said bars and also movable along said rod to vlongitudinally move said bars, When in engagement therewith; and means carried by said member and directly cooperative with said bars to shift said rod, and With it said member, transversely of said bars, each operation of said means effecting a shift equal to the Width of a bar.

13. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, composer means adapted variouslyV to engage with said bars, means adapted to move said bars longitudinally of said composer nieans, and other means directly cooperative With said bars to effect engage ment between said composer means and bars.

14. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, composer means movable transversely of said bars and adapted variously to engage therewith, means adapted to move said bars longitudinally of said composer means, and other means adapted to cooperate directly with said bars to shift said composer means i 1 the combination of a substantially horizontransversely thereof.

15. ln mechanism of the class described, the combination of suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, composer means adapted variously to engage with said bars, a member movable longitudinally of said bars and adapted to engage therewith to bring successive bars in desired position with respect to said coml poser means, and means directly cooperative with said bars to shift said member and composing means relatively to said bars in a direction transverse of the latter.

16. 1n mechanism of the class described, the combination of a suitable support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, composer means movable transversely of said bars and adapted variously to engage therewith, a member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to engage therewith, whereby successive bars may be brought and left in desired position with respect to said composer means, and means borne by said member' and adapted to cooperate directly with said bars to shift said member and composer means in a direction transverse of said bars.

17. ln mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an engaging element on each of said bars, a transversely disposed member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to engage with the elements thereon, and means borne by said member and adapted to coperate directly with said bars to shift said member across the same.

18. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a transversely disposed member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to detachably engage with the projections thereon, and means borne by said member and adapted to cooperate with the projections on successive bars to shift said member across the same.

19. In mechanism of the class described, the combin ation of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a transversely disposed member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to detachably engage with the projections thereon, and a finger movably mounted on said member and adapted to cooperate with t-he projection on the outermost bar to transversely shift said member a distance sufficient to release said bar.

20. ln mechanism of the class described,

tal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a tra-nsversely disposed member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to detachably engage with the project-ions thereon, and two movable fingers borne by said member, and respectively adapted to cooperate with the projection on the outermost bar, the first to restrain movement of said member transversely of said bars and the second to thus shift said member a distance sufficient to release such outermost bar.

21. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a. plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a transversely disposed member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to detaohably engage with the proj ections thereon, two lingers movably mounted on said member and respectively adapted to cooperate with opposite sides of the projection on the outermost bar, the first to restrain movement of said member transversely of said bars and the second to thus shift said member a distance sufficient to release such outermost bar, and a lever adapted to actuate said fingers.

in mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a transversely disposed member movable both longitudinally and transversely of said bars and adapted to detachably engage with the projections thereon, two fingers movably mounted on said member and respectively adapted to cooperate with opposite sides of the proj ection on the outermost bar, the first to restrain movement of said member transversely of said bars and the second to thus shift said member a distance sufficient to release such outermost bar, a lever adapted to actuate said fingers, and a spring normally holding said lever with said first finger operative and said second finger inoperative.

In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, and a member movable longitudinally of said bars and having a transverse slot adapted to engage the projections on said bars, such slot being beveled on its under side to facilitate such engagement.

24C. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an lupwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a rod extending longitudinally of said bars, a member movable along and oscillatory about said rod and having a transverse slot adapted to engage the projections on said bars, such slo-t being beveled on its under side to facilitate such engagement.

25. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars mov-- ably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a transversely disposed member movable longitudinally of said bars and adapted to engage the projections thereon, and a handle on said member disposed in substantial alinement with said members direction of movement.

26. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a rod xextending longitudinally of said bars, a member movable along and oscillatory about said rod and adapted to engage-the projections on said bars, and a handle on said member disposed in substantial alinement with said members direction of movement and in a plane above its axis of oscillation.

27. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a subst-antially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably rest-ing thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a frame movable across said bars and having transversely disposed teeth along one side adapted to engage such projections, a rod longitudinally mounted on the other side of said frame, a member movable along and oscillatory about said rod and having a transverse slot adapted to engage the projections on said bars, and means borne by said member and adapted to coperate with the proj ections on successive bars to shift said member and thereby said frame across the same.

28. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a frameI movable across said bars and having transversely disposed teeth along one side adapted to engage such projections, a rod longitudinally mounted on the other side of said frame, a member movable along and oscillatory about said rod and having a transverse slot adapted to engage the projections on said bars, and a movably mounted finger on said member adapted to cooperate with the projection on the outermost bar to transversely shift said member, and thereby said frame, a distance suiiicient to'release said bar from the former and engage the same by the teeth on the latter.

29. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality or" matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a frame movable across said bars and having transversely disposed teeth along one side adapted to engage such projections, a rod longitudinally mounted on the other side of said frame, a member movable along and oscillatory about said rod and having a transverse slotJ adapted to engage the projections on said bars, and two lingers movably mounted on said member and respectively adapted to cooperate with the outermost bar, the first to restrain movement of said member transversely of said bars and the second to thus shift said member, and thereby said frame, a distance sufficient to release said bar from the former and engage the same by the teeth on the latter.

30. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a frame movable across said bars and having transversely disposed teeth along one side adapted to engage such projections, a rod longitudinally mounted on the other side of said frame, a member movable alongand oscillatory about said rod and having a transverse slo-t adapted to engage the projections on said bars, two fingers movably mounted on said member and respectively adapted to cooperate with opposite sides of the projection on the outermost of said bars, the irst to restrain movement of said member transversely of said bars and the second to thus shift said member, and thereby said frame, a distance suiiicient to release said bar from the former and engage the same by the teeth on the latter, and a lever on said member adapted to actuate said lingers alternately.

3l. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a substantially horizontal support, a plurality of matrix bars movably resting thereon, an upwardly extending projection on each of said bars, a :trame movable across said bars and having transversely disposed teeth along one side adapted to engage such projections, a rod longitudinally mounted on the other side of said frame, a member movable along and oscillatory about said rod and having a transverse slot adapted to engage the projections on said bars, two fingers movably mounted l member adapted to actuate said lingers, on said member and respectively adapted and n spring normally holding said lever to cooperate with opposite sides of the proi with said rst finger operative and said jeoton on the outermost of said bars, the second nger inoperative.

rst to restrain movement of said member l Signed by me this 12th day of September transversely o said bars and the second to l 1910.

thus shift said member, and thereby said l CLAIR H. BRASTED. frame, e distance sufficient to release said Attested bybur from the former and engage the seme l ANNA L. GILL,

10 by the teeth on the latter, e lever on said JNO. F. OBERLIN.

Copies of this patent may be obtawd for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

